Vincent Teo  +  531025 Sun, 22 Jun 08 03:53 PM Can I say, (a) The trophy is on top of the shelf. (b) The trophy is above the shelf. Vincent Teo Joined on Sat, Mar 31 2007 Veteran Member 5,660

	Avangi  +  531044 Sun, 22 Jun 08 04:58 PM Vincent Teo “Can I say, (a) The trophy is on top of the shelf.   Okay. (b) The trophy is above the shelf.    No.  The trophy would need to be suspended by a string or wire in order to be above the shelf.  That is, it must not be touching the shelf.  (levitation?) ” Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,171 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier

	RayH  +  531052 Sun, 22 Jun 08 05:10 PM Vincent Teo “Can I say, (a) The trophy is on top of the shelf. (b) The trophy is above the shelf. ” (a) say "The trophy is on the shelf." (b) Unless the trophy is mounted on the wall above the shelf this isn't correct. RayH Joined on Sat, Mar 22 2008 Contributing Member 1,555 Native speaker of U. S. English. Not a grammar expert.